RE: The crypto market and its barriers to entry - A regular girl´s experience
Dear Marly,
Although I have not as yet used one, I would recommend that you get a Trezor wallet for your Bitcoin transactions.
Why haven't I used it yet? - Because I use my own "quirky" difficult to use offline methods.
Why do I recommend Trezor? - Because it gives you what is called "cold storage," i.e. YOU are the only one with your Bitcoin master key. Oh, and Trezor, because it has a good reputation.
Why have you had these difficulties?
Because Coinbase and banks are in the pocket of human governments that don't want you to have or save wealth. They want you poor. They want to track your every move so they can rob you with ease. Shun them!
Local bitcoins are good; see if you can find someone to trade with face to face, for cash? That would be simplest... but have a Trezor first to put your fresh bitcoin into... ;)
😄😇😄
Agree with @creatr
Cold storage. (paper wallets, usb, hardware wallets ie:TREZOR, KEEPKEY, LEDGER)
"THEY" are onto crypto. Stay vigilant and ahead of the game.
Friends and family are a great source to teach and introduce into crypto in small quantities which will allow you to diversify your holdings internally.
Marly does not have a fortune in bitcoin yet. I think before dealing with cold and expensive hw wallets she should focus on getting into bitcoins first.
I think that happens to a lot of people who start getting in contact with crypto for the very first time ever. What they need is a beginner´s program, starting from zero - like if they were opening their very first bank account.
I understand not a fortune in bitcoin yet. Learning about "cold storage" and how to do it does not have to cost any upfront money. Most countries have bitcoin atm which allow paper wallets to made on the spot for those who don't have mobile devices. USB can be tricky and cumbersome to use for offline. And as you mentioned HW wallets are somewhat expensive $30-$100. In all learning about "cold storage" now rather than later will make things a lot easier eventually.
Unfortunately, we don´t have ATM here. I am living on a small island :) That´s why I´ve tried several online exchange networks. But it seems that they are all heavily overloaded, there is almost no customer service available. If your ID validation fails e.g. there is no chance to talk to anybody and find a solution. But again, I won´t give up too fast :)
I don't live on an island, but may as well, no ATM's and been struggling for over a month to get verified on Coinbase, Kraken also won't take my money.
All I want is to buy Steem...
I have used cex.io in the past. Give them a try with a third of your money. That way, if it does not pan out. You still have 2/3rds left.
I won the whale vote contest - watch out! Good things coming!
What does cold storage mean?
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Cold_storage
Thanks, I will have a look at it! :)
My pleasure @surfermarly
I strongly believe in "thirds rule strategy" which can be searched on Google
Hang loose!
Frank
Thanks for the recommendation, my friend!
I´ve become really sceptical after all these setbacks which is too sad. steemit caught me, I got in touch with crypto for the very first time - but know that I have decided to invest my money, there seem to be so many barriers.
Face to face would surely provide the highest trustworthiness! But is this supposed to be the future of technology? :))
However, I won´t give up on my crypto dream, haha
All technology comes at a price. Crypto comes with the amazing added benefit of not being under the arbitrary control of a human government. Just like surfing, you may never understand this until some government sends your bank a fax and says "give us her money," and the bank does. Believe me, this happens with great regularity.
What you choose to do will also depend on how much money you plan to hold as crypto. Considering all the bank fees, risks, and etc., not to mention inflation of fiat money, an investment of $100 in a Trezor may begin to look like a really good deal.
The real benefits of cryptocurrency will come when it starts to replace government scrip. Then you won't need banks; you will be able to be your own banker. You won't need "face to face" because anyone you want to do business with will pay you in or accept crypto.
You are only struggling a little with this because you are an "early adopter," a pioneer so to speak. Hang in there, I believe it will get much better as time goes on.
Thanks for your wise words, @creatr.
That´s exactly my impression: the system works perfectly when you have entered safely. There is no doubt about the fact that - once you are in - the crypto market provides a lot of benefits.
I will be patient, keep trying to enter and be happy just for being part of it right from the start :)
Have a wonderful day!